It's hard to say exactly where the Eagles stand, although it is known that Mora, Jauron, and former Cardinals defensive coordinator Billy Davis have been identified as the primary candidates. Reid is on vacation and out of the country until the end of the week. A team spokesman would not reveal where Reid was vacationing, but he is believed to be in the Caribbean.
Even with Reid thousands of miles away, modern technology suggests that the Eagles would be able to conduct the business of interviewing candidates. Formal interviews have yet to take place, although Reid has spoken to Mora about the opening.
The Eagles' seemingly lax approach to the defensive coordinator search could mean that the team either has a mystery candidate or is waiting to interview one of the coaches who is still in the playoffs.
Green Bay defensive line coach Mike Trgovac could be one such contender. If the Packers lose to Chicago in the NFC championship on Sunday, the Eagles will be free to talk with Trgovac on Monday. If Green Bay advances, however, the Eagles will have to wait until after the Super Bowl.
A league source familiar with the Eagles' thinking said that the team was likely to see how things play out with Mora, Jauron, and Davis before considering Trgovac.
The 51-year-old, on the surface, would appear to be a fit in Philadelphia. He has six years' experience as a coordinator with the Carolina Panthers, from 2003 to '08. Trgovac would have to wait at least a year to get a chance to be coordinator in Green Bay, however, with Dom Capers in the way.
Capers would likely leave only for a head coaching position, and none are available.
Trgovac's stint with Carolina was a mostly successful one. The Panthers reached the playoffs three times, including a Super Bowl appearance in February 2004. That appearance was made possible by an NFC championship victory in which Trgovac's defense held the Eagles to just three points. The Panthers went on to lose to New England.
If Reid wants to keep a 4-3 defensive front - as team sources say - then Trgovac would also fit that requirement. It is the only scheme he has employed as a coordinator, although Green Bay uses a 3-4.
Trgovac worked for the Eagles as Ray Rhodes' defensive line coach from 1995 to '98.
If Trgovac isn't the Eagles' guy, another candidate on the Packers staff might be worth a look. Linebackers coach Kevin Greene is relatively inexperienced, with only two seasons of coaching under his belt. But the former all-pro has played under and coached alongside Capers and has played a part in the rise of Green Bay linebacker Clay Matthews.
Reid may be eyeing another assistant who is still active. Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine would be making a lateral move if he came to the Eagles. But he would have complete control of his side of the ball here, unlike in New York with the defensive-minded Rex Ryan running the show. Pettine played and coached high school football in this area.
Of course, if the Jets go to or win the Super Bowl, Pettine could be a hot head-coaching commodity. There are also a handful of other candidates on remaining playoff teams, including acolytes of Pittsburgh defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau: defensive line coach John Mitchell and linebackers coach Keith Butler.
And then there are former head coaches such as Eric Mangini and Dave Wannstedt with defensive backgrounds. Wannstedt will interview for the Browns' opening. Along with the Browns and Eagles, Minnesota, Arizona, and Oakland have vacancies at defensive coordinator.
The clock is ticking.
Awards for Eagles. Quarterback Michael Vick (comeback player of the year), cornerback Asante Samuel (first-team all-NFL), and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg (assistant coach of the year) were honored by Pro Football Weekly.
Contact staff writer Jeff McLane at 215-854-4745 or jmclane@phillynews.com. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Jeff_McLane
